Bream Comp SuccessNeil Shelton | First Published: April 2006

The Glenelg River’s bream were on fire in March. I’ve heard many reports of good catches from local anglers and competitors in the ABT Glenelg River BREAM tournament.

Congratulations to all those who finished in the top ten, particularly Stuart McKinnon who won. Stuart fished from his new custom built boat, which features an old ski boat hull that has been adapted to a full blown tournament craft. Stuart is a regular visitor to the Glenelg River and we wish him luck in the finals.

I’d like to thank all competitors for the friendly way they mixed in with each other and the locals. Special thanks to Simon Goldsmith and Phill Jones from ABT – you guys rock. Simon guaranteed that ABT would continue to run a competition here as long as we keep the chicken and garlic prawn schnitzel on the menu. It’s a done deal!

Tips from the Comp

The best lures were Berkley Gulps in camo, watermelon and pumpkinseed fished on a variety of light jigheads and resin heads.

On Sunday, when things got a little harder, some competitors started using something I’d never seen before, Ecogear SX40 hard-bodied lures. Apparently, if you put one of these down where the fish are, they simply can’t help but bite! If you haven’t checked them out yet I strongly recommend you do.

Location, Location

The whole river has been fishing so well that it’s impossible to recommend one spot over another. Try fishing the edges or stonewalls from Donovans to around Red Gum Landing. Cast within 10cm of the edge or you will be too far out. This won’t change until winter rains dirty the water. Mulloway have been caught throughout river with another good school arriving in early March.

If you’re fishing the estuary, hunt for good bottom structure with your sounder.

West of Nelson over the border we have some fantastic sea fishing areas to explore: Green Point, Danger Point and Stony Point are great spots.

If things go the way they did last year we should see some huge mulloway boated during April and May. Fish of 40 to 70lb should be common. You don’t need to fish in deep water and can stay fairly close in.

Surf fishing these bays and points can also be very rewarding with good snapper and sharks available.

Best Baits

Spew-worms, although hard to come by, are the best bait for night fishing. It’s quite easy to catch live mullet at night with a spotlight and a scoop net; or call Chris and Cheryl at the boat hire on (08) 8738 4048 to order some.

Under size bream are still playing havoc with soft baits but if you persist you will get a feed. You’ll literally catch hundreds of fish for your bag.

Tinny Time

It’s really easy to launch tinnies from the beach if you have a 4WD. We’re again offering maps to those who are interested. I’m working with some other locals to organise directions for tracks and the best launch areas with suggested spots to try your luck.

Contact us on (08) 8738 4011 or --e-mail address hidden-- if you want an information pack.

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Bream and mulloway; two species that the Glenelg River is renowned for.

Anglers came from far and wide to fish the ABT Glenelg event. Check out the full page tournament report on page 61.